A restaurant in downtown Hamilton says the theft of four heaters from their outdoor patio has left them completely devastated.

The Electric Diner in Hess Village says they have video footage of someone showing up at their outdoor dining tent around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

They say the person cut the locks on four of their outdoor heaters and removed them one by one until about 7 a.m.

Co-owner Erika Puckering says the theft felt like a “sucker punch” after the restaurant has been struggling to keep its head above water throughout the entire pandemic.

“We’ve been working so hard to try and make it through all of these lockdowns. We’ve pivoted and pivoted and pivoted. We’ve kept our heads on our shoulders and pulled up our gloves whenever we need to. We’ve been fighting this whole time,” said Puckering. “It’s devastating.”

Puckering says the heated tent has allowed them to keep staff employed while indoor dining is shut down under the government-mandated restrictions.

She says the heaters are worth roughly $12,000 and Hamilton police have been contacted.

Other businesses in Hess Village have provided surveillance footage to Puckering in hopes of catching the person responsible for the thefts.

Andiamo, a neighbouring barber shop on George St., has started a GoFundMe page to help the diner replace the heaters.

“With the current Ontario restrictions, indoor dining for establishments is currently not allowed. Electric Diner has put so much effort into making sure the people of our community has somewhere warm to socialize, and enjoy a meal outdoors comfortably. The function of this patio is crucial in order for Electric Diner to operate during this time. These heaters are extremely expensive and it is their only option to make revenue,” reads the GoFundMe page.

The fundraiser has almost reached its $12,000 and Puckering said she is completely shocked by the amazing support.